Buccaneer Spotlight - Connie Meltzer

How did you find out about Beloit? Did you know a lot about Beloit when you first visited campus?

“Funnily enough, I was looking at Grinnell. Beloit was an overlap and ended up being a much better fit for me. When I visited campus I had applied early and had been accepted so I think was somewhat informed but no one from home knew about it.”

We are focusing a lot on Liberal Arts in Practice at Beloit; so as part of what you practice(d) name one aspect that you took away(will take) from being a Beloit student-athlete that you use in your everyday life.

“I think something that we learn from our liberal arts education at Beloit is how to be a participating member of a community. Being part of a team at Beloit always made me think about the bigger picture. Not only was I concerned with how I was doing on the team but I was concerned with how others were feeling about their performances as well. Being part of a team or a club or being a supporter and being actively involved in the Beloit community or any community after college is an important aspect of life. I highly value the community Beloit gave me in my four years and I strive each day in my life to strengthen communities.”

What (if any) accolades did you receive (Academically/Athletically) while being a student-athlete?

“I was an Eaton Scholar, I graduated Magnu Cum Laude, I was a captain of the swim team for three years, I received the spirit award four years, I was MVP my sophomore year, as well as receiving the Coach’s award three years. I also received the Joe Kobylka Award as a graduating senior.”

If you could name one class or professor (mentor) that really meant something to you while at Beloit, who or what would that be?

“I would say Kate Linnenberg. Kate was my first sociology professor and really opened my eyes to the world of sociology and the good that can come from studies and actions I could take against things that were important to me. Kate is certainly not the only mentor or inspiring professor I had at Beloit but she convinced me to declare my second major and I cannot thank her enough!”

Name one of the most rewarding experiences you took part in while at Beloit College?

“Last February the key-note speaker for Black History Month was Dr. Joy DeGruy. The lecture was a on a Friday night and it was about post-traumatic slave syndrome, so it wasn’t exactly light. But I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. It was an enlightening and inspiring lecture.”

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? - Name a career goal/aspiration you strive for.

“I hope I am doing more of what I am doing now. Currently I am an AmeriCorps volunteer for a college access program in Milwaukee and I hope in five years I am working toward the same goal.”